Created, saved and gifted by God, we seek, serve and share Jesus Christ.
Third Sunday of Advent
Dec.12, 2021 – 10:30 am
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
901 East Stroop Road
Kettering, OH 45429-4688
(937) 298-0136
Introduction
Christ’s presence in our midst in the wonder of the holy supper is cause for singing. The nearness of the God in prayer, in every circumstance, is cause for rejoicing. The coming of one “more powerful” than John, even with a winnowing fork in hand, is good news—and cause for exultation—for us who are being saved. Great joy is the tone for the third Sunday of Advent.
A Fresh Start
In Greece, a John the Baptist celebration is held every year, typically in June. A spectator once observed how thousands of pilgrims paraded down a trail to the floor of a great cavern, where mass baptisms were celebrated. One can imagine that the sense of anticipation among those who arrive at the festival for baptism is similar to what those who came to John in the wilderness experienced: expectation, hope, awe, maybe even fear. However, John made it clear that while he baptized them for repentance, the one who was coming would bring something totally different. Whereas John’s baptism of water represented cleansing from their past, the baptism of Jesus is about a new future.
In the order for baptism in Evangelical Lutheran Worship, the baptized are washed with water paired with the promise of God’s love. God’s love is enduring and eternal. Sealed with the Holy Spirit and marked with the sign of the cross forever, the baptized are invited to remember this promise daily and the good news it brings: every day, we begin anew.
This good news means that we don’t have to drag with us the burdens of yesterday. We don’t have to live in a hamster wheel of guilt or despair that things will never change. Nor do we have to keep a list on a mental chalkboard of how many times we’ve messed up. Rather, having been baptized in Christ, we are set free to greet the new dawn with a sense of expectation and wonder, knowing that no matter what the day brings, we are made new, we are forgiven, and God is with us.
GATHERING
The Holy Spirit calls us together as the people of God.
PRELUDE
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS
In remembrance of their baptism, all may make the sign of the cross.
Blessed be the holy Trinity, † one God, the parent who rouses us from slumber, the shepherd who gathers us on the holy mountain, the deliverer who sets us free.
Amen.
Let us come before the living God in confession.
Silence is kept for reflection.
As we wait and watch for the promised day of salvation,
we open our hearts to you, O God. Search us and know us. Reveal all that we keep inside. To you, O God, we confess our sins, known and unknown. Forgive us, renew us, nd lead us in your ways of justice and peace. Make us reflections of the radiant love of your beloved Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Beloved children of the Most High, you are gathered before the righteous judge who has mercy on all. Splash exuberantly in the waters of baptism, where sin is washed away in the river of life. Dwell peacefully in the loving arms of the one who nurtures all creation. Go forth boldly in the assurance that your sins are forgiven in the name of the one who is coming and is already here, †Jesus Christ, our Savior.
Amen.
GATHERING HYMN – “Come Emmanuel”
Come, O come, Emmanuel.
You are Dawn, beauty loved in night.
Come, O come, Emmanuel.
You are Dawn, lovely as the night.
Come, O come, Emmanuel.
You are Dawn, dreams from deepest night.
Come, O come, Emmanuel.
You are Dawn, scatter fears of night.
Come, O come, Emmanuel.
Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel shall come to you, O Israel.
You are Dawn, morning shall sing.
Come, O come, Emmanuel.
You are Dawn, birds awake and sing.
Come, O come, Emmanuel.
You are Dawn, rising sun shall sing.
Come, O come, Emmanuel.
You are Dawn, Sun of Justice, sing.
Come, O come, Emmanuel.
Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel shall come to you, O Israel.
You are Dawn, wake us now to see.
Come, O come, Emmanuel.
You are Dawn, earth and sky and sea.
Come, O come, Emmanuel.
You are Dawn, all creation, see.
Come, O come, Emmanuel.
You are Dawn, blest be all we see.
Come, O come, Emmanuel.
Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel shall come to you, O Israel.
GREETING
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
And also with you.
KYRIE
In peace, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord have mercy.
For the peace from above, and for our salvation, let us pray to the Lord,
Lord have mercy.
For the peace of the whole world, for the well-being of the church of God, and for the unity of all, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord have mercy.
For this holy house, and for all who offer here their worship and praise, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord have mercy.
Help, save, comfort, and defend us, gracious Lord.
Amen, amen.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
Stir up the wills of your faithful people,
Lord God, and open our ears to the preaching of John, that, rejoicing in your salvation, we may bring forth the fruits of repentance; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
WORD
God speaks to us in scripture reading, preaching, and song.
FIRST READING Zephaniah 3:14-20
The prophet Zephaniah’s message is mostly one of judgment for sin. This reading, however, which comes from the conclusion of the book, prophesies joy for Judah and Jerusalem. Judg- ment has led to repentance, and God’s salvation is at hand.
A reading from the book of Zephaniah.
Sing aloud, O daughter Zion; shout, O Israel! Rejoice and exult with all your heart, O daughter Jerusalem!
The LORD has taken away the judgments against you, he has turned away your enemies. The king of Israel, the LORD, is in your midst; you shall fear disaster no more.
On that day it shall be said to Jerusalem: Do not fear, O Zion; do not let your hands grow weak.
The LORD, your God, is in your midst, a warrior who gives victory; he will rejoice over you with gladness, he will renew you in his love; he will exult over you with loud singing as on a day of festival.
I will remove disaster from you, so that you will not bear reproach for it. I will deal with all your oppressors at that time. And I will save the lame and gather the outcast, and I will change their shame into praise and renown in all the earth.
At that time I will bring you home, at the time when I gather you; for I will make you renowned and praised among all the peoples of the earth, when I restore your fortunes before your eyes, says the LORD.
Word of God, word of life.
Thanks be to God.
SECOND READING Philippians 4:4-7
Despite being in prison, Paul is remarkably upbeat as he writes this letter. Here, he urges his friends in Philippi to trust God with all their worries and concerns, with the hope they will experi- ence God’s joy and peace.
A reading from the book of Philippians.
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Word of God, word of life.
Thanks be to God.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
Alleluia, alleluia,
alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL Luke 3:7-18
John the Baptist heralds the mighty one “who is coming.” John teaches that preparation for God’s reign is not a matter of identity but of bearing fruits of merciful justice, radical generosity, and vocational integrity.
The holy gospel according to Luke.
Glory to you, O Lord.
John said to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruits worthy of repentance. Do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our ancestor’; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. Even now the ax is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.”
And the crowds asked him, “What then should we do?” In reply he said to them, “Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none; and whoever has food must do likewise.” Even tax collectors came to be baptized, and they asked him, “Teacher, what should we do?” He said to them, “Collect no more than the amount prescribed for you.” Soldiers also asked him, “And we, what should we do?” He said to them, “Do not extort money from anyone by threats or false accusation, and be satisfied with your wages.”
As the people were filled with expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Messiah, John answered all of them by saying, “I baptize you with water; but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.”
So, with many other exhortations, he proclaimed the good news to the people.
The gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, O Christ.
YOUTH MESSAGE
LIGHTING THE ADVENT WREATH
Blessed are you, God of might and majesty, for you promise to make the desert rejoice and blossom, to watch over the strangers, and to set the prisoners free. As we light these candles, satisfy our hunger with your good gifts, open our eyes to the great things you have done for us, and fill us with patience until the coming of the Lord Jesus. O ransomed people of the Lord, come,
let us travel on God’s holy way and enter into Zion with singing. Amen.
Advent Week 1 – November 28 – Verse 1
Advent Week 2 – December 5 – Verse 1, 2
Advent Week 3 – December 12 – Verse 1, 2, 3
Advent Week 4 – December 19 – Verse 1, 2, 3, 4
- Light one candle to watch for Messiah: let the light banish darkness.
He shall bring salvation to Israel, God fulfills the promise.
Christ, be our light! Shine in our hearts. Shine through the darkness.
Christ, be our light! Shine in your church gathered today.
- Light two candles to watch for Messiah: let the light banish darkness.
He shall feed his flock like a shepherd, gently lead them homeward.
Christ, be our light! Shine in our hearts. Shine through the darkness.
Christ, be our light! Shine in your church gathered today.
- Light three candles to watch for Messiah: let the light banish darkness.
Lift your heads, and lift high the gateway for the king of glory.
Christ, be our light! Shine in our hearts. Shine through the darkness.
Christ, be our light! Shine in your church gathered today.
MESSAGE – Pr. Jamie Vannoy
HYMN OF THE DAY – “Awake! Awake, and Greet the New Morn”
Awake! Awake, and greet the new morn,
for angels herald its dawning.
Sing out your joy, for soon he is born,
behold! the Child of our longing.
Come as a baby weak and poor,
to bring all hearts together,
he opens wide the heav’nly door
and lives now inside us forever.
To us, to all in sorrow and fear,
Emmanuel comes a-singing,
his humble song is quiet and near,
yet fills the earth with its ringing;
music to heal the broken soul
and hymns of lovingkindness,
the thunder of his anthems roll
to shatter all hatred and blindness.
In darkest night his coming shall be,
when all the world is despairing,
as morning light so quiet and free,
so warm and gentle and caring.
Then shall the mute break forth in song,
the lame shall leap in wonder,
the weak be raised above the strong,
and weapons be broken asunder.
Rejoice, rejoice, take heart in the night,
though dark the winter and cheerless,
the rising sun shall crown you with light,
be strong and loving and fearless.
Love be our song and love our prayer
and love our endless story;
may God fill ev’ry day we share
and bring us at last into glory.
APOSTLES’ CREED
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit,
born of the virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended into hell.
On the third day he rose again;
he ascended into heaven,
he is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.
PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION
In this season of watching and waiting, let us pray for all people and places that yearn for God’s presence.
A brief silence.
Each intercession concludes:
Hear us, O God.
Your mercy is great.
God of new life, you come among us in the places we least expect. Receive these prayers and those of our hearts, in the name of Jesus.
Amen.
MEAL
God feeds us with the presence of Jesus Christ.
DIALOGUE
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord, our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.
It is indeed right, our duty and our joy, that we should at all times and in all places give thanks and praise to you, almighty and merciful God, through our Savior Jesus Christ. You comforted your people with the promise of the Redeemer, through whom you will also make all things new in the day when he comes to judge the world in righteousness. And so, with all the choirs of angels, with the church on earth and the hosts of heaven, we praise your name and join their unending hymn:
Holy, holy, holy Lord,
God of power and might,
Heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna, in the highest.
WORDS OF INSTITUTION
In the night in which he was betrayed, our Lord Jesus took bread, and gave thanks; broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying: Take and eat; this is my body, given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.
Again, after supper, he took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it for all to drink, saying: This cup is the new covenant in my blood, shed for you and for all people for the forgiveness of sin. Do this for the remembrance of me.
Let us proclaim the mystery of faith:
Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.
With this bread and cup we remember your Word dwelling among us, full of grace and truth. We remember our new birth in his death and resurrection. We look with hope for his coming.
Come, Lord Jesus.
Holy God, we long for your Spirit. Come among us. Bless this meal. May your Word take flesh in us. Awaken your people. Fill us with your light. Bring the gift of peace on earth.
Come, Holy Spirit.
All praise and glory are yours, Holy One of Israel, Word of God incarnate, Power of the Most High, one God, now and forever.
Amen, amen, amen.
LORD’S PRAYER
Gathered into one by the Holy Spirit, let us pray as Jesus taught us.
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.
INVITATION TO COMMUNION
Come to Christ’s banquet. Feast on God’s gift of grace.
Amen.
LAMB OF GOD
Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world; have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world; have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world; grant us peace, grant us peace.
COMMUNION HYMN – “He Came Down”
He came down that we may have love;
he came down that we may have love;
he came down that we may have love;
hallelujah forevermore.
He came down that we may have light;
he came down that we may have light;
he came down that we may have light;
hallelujah forevermore.
He came down that we may have peace;
he came down that we may have peace;
he came down that we may have peace;
hallelujah forevermore.
He came down that we may have joy;
he came down that we may have joy;
he came down that we may have joy;
hallelujah forevermore.
HOLY COMMUNION
The body of Christ, given for you.
The blood of Christ, shed for you.
Each person may respond: Amen.
TABLE BLESSING
The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you always in his grace.
Amen.
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Most High God,
you have come among us at this table. By the Spirit’s power, form us to be bearers of your word, sharing gifts of mercy and grace with all, through Christ Jesus, our host and our guest. Amen.
SENDING
God blesses us and sends us in mission to the world.
BLESSING
The God of hope fill us with all joy and peace in believing, so that we may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit, through Christ Jesus for whom we wait.
Amen.
SENDING HYMN – “You Are Holy (Prince of Peace)”
(Music Ministers /All)
You are holy. You are holy.
You are mighty. You are mighty.
You are worthy. You are worthy.
Worthy of praise. Worthy of praise.
I will follow. I will follow.
I will listen. I will listen.
I will love you, I will love you,
All of my days. All of my days.
(All Men)
I will sing to and worship
The King who is worthy.
And I will love and adore him,
And I will bow down before him.
And I will sing to and worship
The king who is worthy.
And I will love and adore him,
And I will bow down before him.
You’re my Prince of Peace,
And I will live my life for you.
(All Women)
You are Lord or lords. You are King of kings.
You are mighty God, Lord of everything.
You’re Emmanuel. You’re the great I Am.
You’re the Prince of Peace who is the Lamb.
You’re the living God. You’re my saving grace.
You will reign forever, Ancient of Days.
You are Alpha, Omega – beginning and end.
You’re my Savior, Messiah, Redeemer and Friend.
You’re my Prince of Peace,
And I will live my life for you.
The next two stanzas are sung at the same time.
(Men)
I will sing to and worship
The King who is worthy.
And I will love and adore him,
And I will bow down before him.
And I will sing to and worship
The king who is worthy.
And I will love and adore him,
And I will bow down before him.
You’re my Prince of Peace,
And I will live my life for you.
You’re my Prince of Peace,
And I will live my life for you.
(Women)
You are Lord of lords. You are King of kings.
You are mighty God, Lord of everything.
You’re Emmanuel. You’re the Great I Am.
You’re the Prince of Peace who is the Lamb.
You’re the living God. You’re my saving grace.
You will reign for ever, Ancient of Days.
You are Alpha, Omega – beginning and end.
You’re my Savior, Messiah, Redeemer and Friend.
You’re my Prince of Peace,
And I will live my life for you.
You’re my Prince of Peace,
And I will live my life for you.
DISMISSAL
Go in peace. Christ is near.
Created, saved and gifted by God, we seek, serve and share Jesus Christ.
Hallelujah, thanks be to God!
POSTLUDE
“W + 2” = Worship Plus Two
Make a commitment to not only worship each week but also try to find a way to serve in the congregation and seek out a way to serve our community.
YOU ARE NOW ENTERING THE MISSION FIELD
“Come, Emmanuel”
Words: adapt by Tony Alonso and Gabe Huck
Music: based on VENI, VENI EMMANUEL; arr. by Tony Alonso © 2005 GIA Publications, Inc.
All rights reserved. Reprinted under license A-723735.
From Sundays and Seasons.com. Copyright 2014 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #22920.
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Curches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.